Cost per load
The package price divided by usable loads. This is the cleanest starting point for comparing different package sizes.
Laundry detergent cost per load calculatorPrice the load.
Price the load.
Not the bottle.
A larger package is not automatically a better deal. Use the label’s load count—or the amount you actually pour—to compare liquid, powder, pods and sheets on equal terms.
- Fast formula
- package price ÷ loads
- Dose formula
- price × dose ÷ package size
01 — Calculator
Turn the label into a fair comparison.
Start with the price you actually paid. Choose the advertised-load method for a fast shelf comparison or the dose method to reflect how you really use the product.
Free comparison tool
Price the load—not the bottle.
01
Choose your detergentLiquid, powder and unit-dose products use different package units.
02
Choose the calculation methodUse the advertised load count for speed or your actual dose for precision.
03Compare another detergentOptional+
Enter the other product’s price and advertised load count for a normalized side-by-side comparison.
Enter the package price and the load information above to calculate.
02 — What the result means
One number makes unlike packages comparable.
Cost over time
Monthly and annual estimates multiply cost per load by your weekly laundry frequency. They are planning estimates, not a prediction of future prices.
Actual-dose reality
An advertised load count assumes the package’s stated dose. If you use more or less, package size divided by your actual dose gives a more personal result.
03 — Worked examples
Sticker price can hide the real winner.
These examples assume five loads per week and are illustrative—not product recommendations.
| Example | Cost/load | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| $18.99 package · 100 advertised loads | $0.19 | $49.37 |
| $24.50 package · 81 advertised loads | $0.30 | $78.64 |
| $16.99 · 92 fl oz bottle · 1.5 fl oz/load | $0.28 | $72.01 |
04 — Questions
Small choices that change the math.
Should I use advertised loads or my actual dose?+
Advertised loads are fastest for comparing packages in a store. Package size plus actual dose is better when your usual amount differs from the label’s reference dose.
What price should I enter?+
Use the final product price after coupons or discounts. For a fair comparison, treat tax and delivery consistently across every product.
How do I calculate pods or sheets?+
Use the number of whole pods or sheets as the package count and the number used per load as the dose. Never cut, open or puncture a detergent pod.
Does the cheapest detergent clean best?+
No. Cost per load measures price efficiency only. Cleaning performance, fragrance, ingredient preferences, skin sensitivity, washer compatibility and package directions still matter.